The education department in Delhi has issued an order for the closure of government-run morning and general schools in the national capital on Monday in observance of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The closure, outlined in a notification on Sunday, applies to all government and government-aided schools operating in general and morning shifts in Delhi. Additionally, evening schools will remain operational at 2:30 pm tomorrow.
The directive aligns with a broader measure declaring a half-day closure for all Delhi government establishments and offices to facilitate the participation of employees in the celebrations surrounding the 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals of Ram Lalla. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena granted approval on Saturday for the half-day closure of government offices, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), autonomous bodies, undertakings, and boards to mark the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
This move by the Delhi administration is consistent with similar instructions from the governments of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa. Madhya Pradesh, for instance, has declared a holiday in schools across the state on January 22, coinciding with the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. January 22 has been designated a public holiday in Goa, leading to the closure of government offices and schools as directed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Notably, several BJP-ruled states have opted for a full-day state holiday on January 22.
Meanwhile, in Tripura, all offices and educational institutions throughout the state will remain closed until 2:30 pm to commemorate the Ram Mandir celebrations. Some states have implemented additional restrictions, including bans on the sale of liquor or meat and fish to mark the significant event in Ayodhya.
On the national level, the Centre has announced a half-day closure for all its offices and PSU banks in light of the mega-event. The Finance Ministry, through a notification, specified that central government offices, institutions, and industrial establishments will be closed until 2:30 pm on January 22, with normal working hours resuming at that time. However, private sector banks will remain open, following the Reserve Bank of India's holiday list designating it as a working day.
